Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. HMX Vintage Citrus

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the HMX Vintage Citrus present two distinct options tailored for different typing experiences. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that merges tradition with innovation, providing users with a medium-heavy weight keystroke and a satisfying tactile bump that evokes the classic feel many typists cherish. Its high-precision molds enhance both performance and visual appeal with softer backlight effects, making it a great choice for those who prefer a balance between feedback and aesthetics. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is engineered for gamers, featuring a linear design with an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, facilitating rapid-fire keystrokes. Its smooth push and bright, clacky sound profile make it particularly invigorating for high-speed gaming sessions. While the Jupiter Brown excels in delivering tactile satisfaction and a nostalgic typing experience, the Vintage Citrus prioritizes speed and responsiveness. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Brown and HMX Vintage Citrus switches exhibit distinctly different characteristics due to their top housing materials. The Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence. This particular plastic contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile when typing, producing clearer and more resonant keystrokes. The benefit of polycarbonate also extends to RGB lighting, as its translucency allows light to shine through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a softer and more muted audio experience. This choice results in a deeper, fuller sound when typing, attributed to nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. Thus, while the Jupiter Brown is tailored for those seeking a vibrant and crisp typing sound, the Vintage Citrus caters to users preferring a more rounded and subdued acoustics.

When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it’s important to note that they are both constructed from nylon, providing an interesting similarity between the two. The nylon bottom housing retains the same sound-absorbing qualities found in the Vintage Citrus, enabling a deeper and fuller sound profile upon bottoming out. This shared material distribution means that both switches will experience a similar bottom-out feel, which can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more muted feedback. However, with the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing, the overall sound experience is segmented; the clearer sound of the top contrasts with the deeper tones of the bottom.

The combination of housing materials in both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and HMX Vintage Citrus affects the overall typing experience in unique ways. The Jupiter Brown's hybrid construction allows for a dynamic experience—where the sharpness of polycarbonate accentuates the release sound, while the nylon bottom maintains a satisfying and rounded bottom-out effect. In comparison, the Vintage Citrus’s exclusive use of nylon for both top and bottom housings results in a more cohesive sound profile throughout the entire keystroke. Consequently, users who appreciate clarity and brightness in their typing experience may gravitate toward the Jupiter Brown, while those who prefer richness and warmth may prefer the Vintage Citrus. Ultimately, users' preferences in sound and feel will guide their selection between these two switches.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Jupiter Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a substantial feel while typing. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference means that the Jupiter Brown is better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel for added feedback in their typing experience, while the Vintage Citrus is ideal for users seeking a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. As a result, if you're looking for a switch that offers a more pronounced actuation and bottoming out sensation, the Jupiter Brown is the preferable choice, whereas the Vintage Citrus will cater to those who favor a gentler keystroke pressure.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Jupiter Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional and provides a deeper feel when pressed. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, appealing to those who prefer a quicker actuation and potentially faster response times, especially beneficial for gaming. For users who appreciate a substantial tactile feedback, the Jupiter Brown is the preferable choice due to its longer travel distance, while the Vintage Citrus caters to those who desire a snappier, shallower keypress. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the Jupiter Brown is the longer travel option, whereas the Vintage Citrus is shorter.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches offer a more muted auditory experience compared to their HMX Vintage Citrus counterparts. While the Jupiter Brown remains relatively quiet, producing a sound profile that leans towards subtlety, the Vintage Citrus is characterized by a bright and clacky sound. The clacky nature of the Vintage Citrus results in a sharp, snappy auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience, especially for gaming. However, it's important to remember that the sound of each switch can also be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, meaning both switches can vary in volume based on these factors.

When considering the feel, the Jupiter Brown tactile switch is described as mild and stepped, providing a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. It features a noticeable tactile bump that can be felt during the typing process, creating a reassuring feedback loop. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus linear switch is notably snappy and invigorating, with an exceptionally low actuation force that makes it extremely responsive. This responsiveness combines with a smooth push feel, offering an energetic typing experience that's particularly favorable for gamers looking for rapid-fire inputs.

Taking all of this information into account, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and HMX Vintage Citrus switches cater to different preferences and use cases. The Jupiter Brown is ideal for those who value a balanced, tactile experience with moderate feedback, making it an excellent choice for typing and all-around use. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus is perfect for gamers who appreciate speed and a vibrant auditory experience while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether an individual prioritizes tactile feedback and subtlety or rapid responsiveness and a lively sound profile.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a more traditional typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force that offers a balanced tactile feedback, the Jupiter Brown is ideal for you. Its mild feel and stepped design make it approachable for both typing and general use, providing a harmonious blend of reliability and subtlety. This makes it well-suited for office work or long typing sessions where comfort and accuracy are paramount. Conversely, if you are a gamer who thrives on speed and precision, the Vintage Citrus will likely be your go-to option. With its lightweight actuation force and clacky sound profile, this switch promotes rapid-fire inputs and an invigorating experience that enhances the dynamics of competitive gaming. The smooth and snappy feedback of the Vintage Citrus makes it perfect for quick reaction times and immersive gameplay. Therefore, consider your primary activities and preferences in feel and sound to make the best switch choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn more